Any time of year is a good time for a Sunshine Coast picnic. We live in a beach house mid-way on the Sunshine Coast between Caloundra and Noosa and have favourite picnic spots up and down the coast. This post shares our tried and tested Coolum Picnic Spots.
Best Picnic Spots Coolum Beach
Picnic spots Coolum are listed from South to North beginning at Third Bay Coolum.
Car parking information is given for each Picnic Spot.
Bus 620 services the route with the exception of Lows Lookout.
Beach Access Numbers are included when applicable.
Third Bay Coolum Picnic Spot
Those prepared to tackle the 100 odd steps leading down to Third Bay, are rewarded with a beautiful Pandanus lined beach complete with patches of pretty shells and a fabulous feeling of freedom.
The protruding rocky outcrops on each end of the bay add to it’s feeling of seclusion.
Third Bay is no longer considered a nudist beach since the installation of the stairs, but I wouldn’t rule it out.
Point Arkwright Bus Stop and Third Bay Carpark Coolum
Swimming is not recommended at this un-patrolled beach. Don’t be confused by the Beach Entrance Sign 84 at the Carpark which says Second Bay. Everyone I ask considers this to be Third Bay.
It is about 100 m north of Bay Terrace.
There is no need to haul your picnic gear down to the beach, just walk one minute to the undercover picnic area on the left of the carpark.
Picnic Spot Coolum – Third Bay
- No Amenities Block.
- Carpark behind Point Arkwright Bus Stop (bus 620), which is 1.3 km south from Coolum Surf Club and 800 m south from Wilkinson Park, Point Perry.
- Under Shelter Picnic Tables.
- Swimming not advised.
- Un-patrolled Beach
- Beach Entrance 84
Second Bay Coolum Picnic Spot – Whale Watching Platform
The next carpark north is downhill at the Whale Watching Platform.
Between the off-road carpark and whale watching platform is a small grassed area with a 6-8 seater table with plank seats.
Whale Watching Platform and Picnic Table Coolum
An information board explains the different kinds of sightings.
This picnic spot offers ocean views to the north from the picnic table and a very short platform walk for more expansive views. As well as whale watching this is a good surfing vantage point too.
Beach Entrance 83. Stairs lead down to Second Bay on the right of the platform and there are views but no access to First Bay on the left.
View at bottom of Stairs Beach Entrance 83 – No Picnic Amenities
This is a convenient place if you have the picnic basket ready to go and the table is free. Enough grass for a picnic rug too.
- Closest Amenities Block is Point Perry.
- One Picnic Table Uncovered.
- Whale Watching Platform.
- Wheelchair accessible.
- Stairs to Un-patrolled Beach.
- Beach Access 83
First Bay Coolum Beach Picnic or Grassy Verge
Parallel on-street parking at First Bay, but car parks can be scarce when the surf is up. If the tide is low you can picnic on the beach.
Beach Access 82 leads from the foreshore down to First Bay.
First Bay and Second Bay as seen from Point Perry Coolum
The grassy verge on First Bay’s foreshore popular with locals on weekends or after work drinks and nibbles.
First Bay beach itself is quite private when viewed from the foreshore but is overlooked by Point Perry and the Whale Watching Platform.
Swimming is not recommended in First Bay with unpredictable surf and strong rips. Several tragedies have occurred here, so beware. The kids will be busy clambering over rocks and wading in pools.
- On Street Parallel Parking
- Un-patrolled Beach.
- No Picnic Tables
- No Amenities Block (nearest Point Perry)
- Beach Access 82
Lows Lookout Coolum
Low’s Lookout is located at 8 Grandview Drive, Coolum Hill. Turn into Scrub Road from David Low Way and then right into Grandview Drive. The name says it all.
There are only you and the lucky home owners to enjoy the views.
The local indigenous Undanbi tribe came to Coolum Hill to use the large Belly Rock. This single sloping rock, two metres high and 1.5 long was believed to have healing properties. Many white settlers also believed in it’s powers and came to lie on the north facing rock warmed by the sun’s rays.
Unfortunately it was removed in 1958 to build the road and subsequently the lookout was named Lows Lookout in 1960 after the first white settlers.
Toboggan Hill was also a draw-card for holiday makers who used various makeshift toboggans to slide down the grassy slopes of Coolum Hill north of Pacific Terrace.
Coolum Hill was known as Toboggan Hill for seventy years.
- Single undercover Picnic Table.
- Information Board.
- No Amenities.
- Limited street parking but we have always found a spot.
- Not near beach.
Wilkinson Park Point Perry Lookout Coolum
Walk up the Boardwalk from the Surf Club to Point Perry, or if you’re lucky grab a First Bay parking spot at the bottom or Point Perry Carpark at the top.
Point Perry has everything required for a successful picnic.
Although often busy with sightseers, they move on quickly and there is always space for a grassy picnic with a view. Similarly the carpark has a high turnover.
- Point Perry Ocean Viewing Platform with seating
- Large Grassy sloped area facing south to First Bay
- Uncovered Picnic Platform in grassy area
- Timber Picnic Pavilion with edge seating and large platform, close to carpark and amenities
- Small Carpark
- Amenities Building
- Separate table and plank seat on the pathway
- Another table low down behind Amenities Block
Half Way on the Coolum Boardwalk Picnic Spot
Just south of Bombay Bliss Coolum on David Low Way the boardwalk is broken by steps leading down to a grassy knoll overlooking the ocean.
This unfenced cliff is probably best for an adult picnic. The nearest parking is at Point Perry or David Low Way opposite Canteen and My Place.
- Boardwalk Coolum Access
- Views
- No Picnic Tables
- Nearest Amenities Point Perry
High Picnic Table and Chairs with Scenic View
South of Coolum Surf Club and Beach Exit 80 this Picnic Bar setting has great ocean views and breezes. Popular for afternoon parties, it has fixed seating for four and is also wheelchair friendly.
There is plenty of space on the timber deck for eskies, folding chairs etc. No lighting, No Water.
Across from Canteen Bar and Grill.
- Fixed Bar Table with fixed stools and timber floor and bench space behind.
- Views of Main Beach Coolum
- Wheelchair Friendly
- Dog Friendly
Grassed picnic spot Beach Exit 80 Coolum
This picnic spot has a beach view and grass that is nice to spread a picnic rug on. It does have a busy walkway running behind, but the view out the front makes it worthwhile.
- Views
- Grassy spot
- Across from My Place Restaurant
- Beach Access 80
- Nearest Amenities at Tickle Park
Lawn area south of Coolum Surf Club
This gently sloping space south between Surf Club and Beach Exit 80 has good views over the beach with timber bench seats behind. It is a handy little spot to have up your sleeve as it’s not overly used despite it’s location.
- Views
- No Picnic Tables
- Park Seats at Back
- Amenities Block at Tickle Park (few minutes away)
- On Street Parking
- Patrolled Beach
Tickle Park Picnic Area
North of Coolum Surf Club, Tickle Park is the favourite gathering spot for Coolum residents and visitors and the best Coolum picnic spot.
Sure it is busy, especially on Friday afternoon, but it’s lots of fun, has great ocean and beach views, beach access points, outdoor showers and an amenities block.
Beach Access 79 has a wheelchair accessible beach access point during September through May on Weekends and Public Holidays.
This park is more or less Coolum’s village green and the best place for a family picnic.
Kids make a beeline to the large sand playground with climbing frame and smaller swings. Communal feel with all the parents sitting around talking.
Kids also love to climb the shady tree with branches spreading quite low to the ground. Corellas sit peacefully beneath the tree canopy.
Tickle Park Grassy Knoll
A grassy knoll behind Coolum Beach skate park overlooks sand dunes and beach. This section of Tickle Park is higher than the village green area and it is where Surf Competition officials set up for a day of judging. So unless there is a surf competition happening you too can set up here for a day of relaxation and picnicking with some awesome beach views.
For an effortless picnic, pop across the street to one of the cafes for takeaways. Works for us.
- Two Undercover picnic areas with BBQ’s.
- Skate Park.
- Playground.
- Surf Club and patrolled beach.
- On Street Parking and a large off-street beach carpark.
- Modern Amenities Block
- Dogs on Leads Allowed in Park and Beach
- Beach Access 77, 78, 79
Jack Morgan Park
One street back from the Esplanade and tucked between the Civic Centre, Library, Bowls Club, Child Care and two carparks, Jack Morgan Park is fairly new on the Coolum park scene.
A rectangular expanse of grass big enough to kick a ball comfortably in, with a concrete path weaving lazily along one edge. Free table tennis table outside the library.
- Situated behind Coolum’s Cafe Strip.
- Bus 620 at Tickle Park David Low Way a 5 minute walk.
- Timber seating area one side and two Aluminium Picnic Tables on the other.
- Fixed table tennis table outside the Library.
- Nearest Beach Amenities block at Tickle Park, a 5 minute walk.
- Good for kicking a ball and kids learning to skate board or scooter.
Norrie Job Park Coolum
Norrie Job Park abuts Coolum Beach Holiday Park, with a convenient (if you’re staying there) secure exit to/from the caravan park. Bushland hides the beach from view, but there is a longish sandy beach access No. 72 in Norrie Job park beside the caravan park.
A pleasant grassy walk, leads from the northern end of the park close to the beach. It’s a hidden walk through natural vegetation, eventually meeting up with Stumers Creek Road.
The spacious grassy walk is bordered by bushland and a small creek, with the nearby ocean easily heard. It’s a rather magical walk and a local secret. Where the walk meets Stumers Creek Road is a hidden picnic spot with a single table setting. You’re welcome.
- Opposite Coolum Beach Hotel and Dan Murphy’s.
- On street car parks and some gravel ones beneath trees.
- Concrete pathway leads south to boardwalk, Point Perry, Whale Watching Platform and Point Arkwright.
- Undercover picnic area, BBQ’s
- Amenity block
- Outdoor Gym
- Dogs allowed On-lead in park.
- Off-Leash Dog Beach from here (Beach Access 72) 1 km north to Stumers Creek (Beach Access 67).
Stumers Creek/Beach Park
Stumers Creek/Beach is an off-leash dog area.
The park is fairly spacious and mown with several picnic table settings, one undercover. Surrounded on two sides by bush, the other two by carpark and river beach.
Another Picnic Setting in front of parking on the left.
Stumers Creek is shallow and sometimes flows across the beach to the ocean. It’s kid and dog heaven and good for canoes or just paddling.
The ocean here is a popular surfing and fishing spot.
Busy on week-ends and after work.
- Designated Street Parking.
- Modern Amenities Block and outdoor shower.
- Dog Wash Facilities.
- Creek and Ocean Beach Access 67
Where to buy your Picnic Supplies Coolum
IGA Mt Coolum – Closest to Point Arkwright
IGA at Mt Coolum Shopping Centre has all your picnic supplies. It’s a gourmet heaven, specialising in cheese, dips, bottled gourmet goods, baked goods, hot food takeaways, meat, vegetables and vegan supplies. Bakery and a small goods specialist in shopping centre.
The Shop Coolum – Closest to Tickle Park and Surf Club
Opposite the Surf Club and Tickle Park, The Shop is a tiny corner store (Dine-In or Takeaway), specialising in Gifts, Coffee, Pastries, with a large refrigerated section stocked with gourmet small goods.
Charcoal Chicken Coolum – Closest to Norrie Job Park
Situated in Birtwill Street, behind Coolum Beach Pub but close to Norrie Job Park. Known for BBQ Chickens, also selling fish, burgers, salads and Mooloolaba Prawns.
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